FLORENCE, Wis. — Florence has a couple goals entering the high school baseball season.

“Our main focus is to improve our offensive output and to gain experience on the mound,” said Dave LaPoint, entering his 46th season as the Bobcats’ head coach.

Florence, which had its April 4 opener with Gillett canceled, returns six starters from the 2018 club that finished 5-9-1 overall and 4-8 Northern Lakes Conference.

Kaden Schuls, an All-NLC pitcher and shortstop with a .486 batting average, lead the Bobcats. Other starters back are second baseman Dakota Wicke, outfielder Paul Millan, pitcher-first baseman Braden Boettcher, third baseman-outfielder Blake McLain and catcher Cody Reubens. First baseman Kobe Hodgson also lettered last season.

Other team members are outfielder Joe Walstrom, shortstop-pitcher Toby Wheeler, third baseman-outfielder Kyle Leffler, third baseman-outfielder Tyler Novak and first baseman Austin Hoey.

“Pitching candidates include Kaden Schuls, Braden Boettcher and Toby Wheeler,” said LaPoint, aided by volunteer assistant Michael Bruce. “We should field a strong defensive team at all positions. Lack of numbers and inexperienced bench will be concerns. We must avoid injuries.

Florence has 12 players on this year’s roster. Outfielder Michael Dishaw graduated.

The Bobcats hope to open the season Tuesday at Marinette against St. Thomas Aquinas Academy. They host Crandon on Thursday, April 11, in the first NLC test.

Defending NLC champion Phelps/Three Lakes returns all-league first-teamer Thomas Kolling and “most of their starting roster,” LaPoint said.

“Phelps/Three Lakes is the favorite,” LaPoint said. “Elcho, Crandon and Laona-Wabeno could challenge for the Northern Lakes championship. We hope to finish in the upper half of the conference.”

Roster:

SENIORS — Joe Walstrom, Dakota Wicke

JUNIORS — Toby Wheeler, Kaden Schuls, Paul Millan, Kobe Hodgson

SOPHOMORES — Blake McLain, Braden Boettcher, Cody Reubens, Austin Hoey

FRESHMEN — Kyle Leffler, Tyler Novak